This Just In: Japan

18 May 2009

Two years ago I went on a Once in a Lifetime Trip to Japan. I’ve never been the sort of person who’s particularly fascinated by Asian culture, so my motivation to visit the far and mysterious east was simply based on the fact that A) I wanted to visit my Bestest Friend Angelina (who has been living and working in Japan since 2005) and B) She was willing to help pay for my flight. So I made up an 10 day itinerary jam-packed full of Everything I’d Ever Want To Do In Japan.

Not to mention getting to spend quality time with Angelina in her new home environment, meeting her fantastic friends, and generally enjoyed myself beyond my wildest expectations. Since I’d never planned to visit Japan (like, ever) in the first place, I considered this a resounding success and left it at that.

Until last week.

Her contract is expiring this summer, and she’s decided to leave the Land of the Rising Sun to return to The Great White North. Knowing that this is likely going to be a difficult process, I tried to think of ways that I could help. I mean, moving is hard (I should know I’ve done it over a dozen times in the last decade), and I can’t even imagine how hard it is going to be for her to move from some place you’ve lived for four years, that also happens to be a foreign country, back to the city that you haven’t lived in since high-school. Rough Gig.

Maybe I could help – by easing the transition, say, if I were to fly over to Japan, hang out for a bit, and fly back with her.

Well, yes, it’s a crazy foolish silly idea. But that’s what’s happening. It took some pretty strategic planning (attempting to redeem frequent flier miles = fail), having my own flight schedule, and her booking separately, getting her Board of Education to approve her flight, and me getting an entire week off in August. But it’s all done. Booked. Huzzah!

So, I’m heading back to Japan.I’m going to get Angelina to bring her home.

I’m actually really, really excited about this trip. Even though it’s totally expensive, and frivolous. I make no attempt to hide how much I love flying, and airports, and who doesn’t love vacations? I’m extra excited because this time, with my Everything I’d Ever Want To Do In Japan already complete, I get to just hang out, and enjoy doing whatever Angelina wants to do in her last few days in Japan.

As an added bonus I will be able to break my current standing record for Longest Flight Ever of 11.5hrs (Newark to Honolulu) to 13hrs (Chicago to Tokyo). <sarcasm>Oh Yay</sarcasm>.